Chapter 3: Glimmer of Hope

“Hmmmm…. a contract marriage, should I talk to Mrs. Jane? Will she accept my proposal? I don't know if she'll but I just have to try, I just have to” Luna concluded in her thoughts but just as she was about to approach Mrs. Jane, a sharp thought made her pause.

“Luna, are you sure this is the right decision? Common girl, you don't even know the man in question, and besides you've always believed in true love.

“But it's a contract marriage and it's just for a year.”

“What if something else is involved in this contract?” Luna's thoughts bombarded each other, so many questions crossed her mind

"Argggghhhh… I need the money" She let out a silent cry as she lifted her soft palm to her face, hitting her forehead with it in frustration.

Standing right in front of Mrs. Jane, Luna's thoughts still clashed.

“I'm done with today's chores Mrs. Jane. I'll take my leave now" Luna managed to say, closing out the voices that tumbled in her head.

“Go ahead Luna and don't be late tomorrow” Jane cautioned

“I won't Mrs Jane. Goodnight" Luna replied as she ran out of the house in haste.

At the hospital, Luna's mother was still unconscious but the nurses assured her that her mum would be okay. Sitting beside her mum, she brought out the piece of paper again, stared at it then turned and stared at her mum. With one glance at her mum, she made her decision.

“I'll do this, it's the only way" Her mind was made up.

Mrs. Jane heard a knock on the door and when she opened the door, she was shocked to see Luna standing outside looking depressed.

“It's 7 'o'clock in the morning, I asked you to come early, I didn't ask you to replace the sound of my alarm. What are you doing here so early?" Jane gave a surprising look as she questioned Luna.

"Mrs. Jane, ple.. plea… please, I need your help" Luna stuttered, unsure of how to start or what to say so she wouldn't upset her employer.

“You need my help? Hope you're not here to ask for an advance for that sick frail old mother of yours because you won't be getting any dime" Jane snapped at Luna, she twitched her fingers in Luna's face making her point clear.

“No… no.. not at all” Luna responded sharply.

"Then, what is it?"

“I would like to sign the contract"

“What contract are you talking about?"

Luna moved backward a bit, she wanted to be prepared for what was about to happen. She looked down at her feet not knowing how to say what lingered in her thoughts.

“Speak up young lady, I don't have all day"

"The marriage contract with Sophia's son" the words finally rushed out of Luna's mouth without a break

“Shhhhhhhhh….” Jane placed her little finger on her lips as she gestured at Luna to keep her voice down. She drew closer and pulled her into the house slamming the door behind them.

“How did you know about the contract marriage, who told you about that" Jane snarled at Luna, her heart racing fast and her eyes bulged out, she was angry and at the same time confused. She was sure she never mentioned a word to anyone, how did Luna get to know this secret? she wondered.

“I overheard your conversation over the phone with Mrs. Sophia yesterday. I'm sorry for ears-dropping into your conversation” Luna apologized sincerely.

“Phew…” Jane let out a sigh, she became calm and the nervousness she felt disappeared, and her shoulder dropped in relief.

“Did you mention this to anyone?"

“No, I didn't”

Jane looked straight into Luna's eyes, feeling satisfied that she was telling the truth. She turned, walked to the couch, and sat down.

“The contract? Hmmmm, she might just fit in perfectly, at least she's beautiful and gentle. But she's from a low class. Well, who cares, Sophia is not expecting me to get what she wants just in two days right? She'll have to make do with Luna, after all, it's for a year". Jane lost in thought stared deeply at Luna who stood gently across the sitting room.

“Come here" With her right fingers raised in the air, she flapped them as she motioned at Luna to

come closer.

“Why do you need the contract?"

“I need money to settle my mum's hospital bills. It's very urgent and the contract will be the only way to solve the problem right now" Luna looked down as she spoke calmly, not wanting to look at Jane's eyes.

Jane was shocked at her courage and decision, she never knew Luna could be this sensible.

“I've heard you, but just so you know, you have to keep it a secret, no one must know about the marriage?" Jane warned as she twitched her eyes and pointed her right finger towards Luna's face.

“I understand Mrs. Jane, no one will know,” Luna reassured her. She was happy that Jane considered her request, although she had her doubts, she was glad it pulled through.

“Lest I forget, I will own 30% of the contract's proceedings, is that clear?"

"Yes, it's clear”.

"Good, now get me my phone, it's on my study table" Jane commanded as she turned and focused her gaze on the TV set.

“Hello Sophia, how are you today?"

“I'm fineee" Sophia spoke with a stretchy voice. Jane's call had woken her up. “Why are you calling this early, it's just…” Sophia stared at the small alarm clock that stood on the bedside stool.

"It's just 8 am, hope nothing's wrong Jane” Sophia spoke with sleepy eyes, she hadn't fully returned from her dreamland.

"I've found a lady who's interested in the marriage contract” Jane dropped the words from her mouth without mixing words.

"What? So fast? How.. how did you pull it through?” Sophia was now wide awake, her tiny eyes pulped out as though they were struggling to detach from their sockets. She was so shocked and curious at Jane's statement, she had just told Jane about the contract in the evening of the previous day, and in less than 12 hours, Jane already had someone.

“Well, it wasn't so hard, since you gave a very short notice I had to pull some strings and here you are, voila,” Jane said with a wide grin on her wrinkled face.

"Wow, I'm quite impressed Jane, thank you so much for the quick response, I always knew I could count on you at all times. Common girl, you just made my day, I'm so happy that Jasper will finally get what he has always yearned for” Sophia spoke with excitement, her eyes sparkled, twitching at the corners as she smiled, making her entire face glow.

“So what's in for me Sophia," Jane asked.

“I'll come to your place this evening to discuss further on the contract further, don't worry girl, you'll be heavily paid, trust me on this Jane” Sophia reassured and promised her friend.

“Alright Sophia, see you later,” Jane said as she tried to hang up the call.

"Wait, wait, Jane, I forgot to ask. What's the lady's name” Sophia bubbled with excitement as she asked.

"Luna” Jane gave a sharp response trying to avoid further questions. She didn't want to discuss

that it was Luna over the phone.

"Luna? Wait a minute! Your maid?” Sophia shouted over the phone.